Understanding the wheel of

life in psychological terms

It is telling that the Dalai Lama himself writes the preface to this
fascinating book. Mark Epstein had more than 20 years of experience
of Western Buddhist thought – which predated his experience as a
psychotherapist – at the time of writing it. In the opening chapter,
Mark Epstein lays out his arguments for understanding the wheel of life
best in psychological terms. Specifically, each ‘realm’ represents a
neurotic issue already recognised by psychologists, summarised below.
On the next page you will find a selection of passages taken directly
from Epstein’s book, Thoughts without a Thinker. Next to each passage,
we have space to comment on these, whether that be supportively or
critically or just clarifying our understanding.
THE HUMAN REALM THE GOD REALM THE JEALOUS GODS REALM
The central predicament of the The god realm represents the ability to relax, allow the This realm embodies the sort of raw
human realm is our search for self, it ego to dissolve, then spirituality and intellect to aggression that fuels ambition,
is that “we do not really know who flourish. Existence comes in extended versions of ‘peak competitiveness and the energy required
we are”. We are aware of vague and experiences’, in which there is a confluence – a feeling to approach, destroy or assimilate an
disturbing feelings of emptiness and of being ‘at one’. Confluence causes two psychological obstacle or frustration. The end state of
inauthenticity, which are under- problems. Firstly, for those who crave confluence and such forcefulness could well be found in
pinned by a lack of what fear ‘otherness’ in their family or partners. Secondly, the god realm, but the brute force
psychologists call mirroring- i.e. those who crave but also reject confluence, maybe required to get there exists in this realm
acknowledgement and recognition. because they were prodded into independence too (often the two realms are combined in
In the face of narcissistic parents we young. However, ego dissolution is part of the human diagrams). Here, the ego functions are
create a ‘false self’ which then capacity and not to be feared. Psych: Maslow. used negatively but Buddhism teaches
becomes rigid and effectively hides this should be harnessed to turn inward,
us, causing us to search for true self to overturn the internal obstacles that
later. Here, we can truly gain insight skew our perceptions and obscure our
into the nature of self, i.e. of no-self; ability to be self-aware. Meditation is
the more we grasp emptiness key to freedom from this realm. Psych:
(sunyata), the more we feel real and ego psychology and cognitive therapy.
liberation is possible. From here,
enlightenment is therefore
attainable. Psych: Winnicott. THE REALM OF HUNGRY GHOSTS
Characterised by yearnings to have
THE ANIMAL REALM experiences that were required in the
past but are no longer needed. In this
Existence in the animal realm inevitably
realm, which Epstein argues is common
reveals that sensual pleasures are
in the western world where we suffer
fleeting; pleasure is transient, causing
from feelings of emptiness,
dukkha when it has passed. To leave
unworthiness and low self-esteem, we
this realm we must realise that
ultimate happiness cannot be derived THE HELL REALM do not accept the truth of our
The different forms of torture are vivid descriptions of unattainable fantasies.
from sensual pleasures. However,
aggressive and anxiety states. In this psychological To free ourselves from this state both
ignoring our animal nature only
state, people believe themselves to have no control psychotherapy and meditation are
empowers it. “Sexuality is a threat to
over the torture inflicted on them by others. To leave required to ensure “reparation is no
spirituality only when it is not
this realm we must relate to and integrate our own longer sought from impossible sources”
integrated”. Sexuality can co-exist with
rage rather than deny it or repress it. The anger often and self-loathing transforms into
an enlightened mind but should not be
derives from repressed emotions. Psych: Winnicott. wisdom. Psych: NONE.
totally indulged. Psych: Freud.

The Buddha in each realm resembles our own Buddhahood, the blueprint for compassion and enlightenment that
exists within all of us and can flourish when we integrate, engage with and master our neuroses.
One of the most compelling things...inherent in the wheel of
life is that the causes of suffering are also the means of
release; that is, the sufferer’s perspective determines whether
a given realm is a vehicle for awakening or a vehicle for
bondage. (p. 16)

Just as the thoughts in our minds keep endlessly chattering as

if beyond our control, so we slip from realm to realm without
really knowing where we are. We are locked into our minds,
but we do not really know them. We are adrift and struggling,
buffeted by the waves of our minds, having not learned how
to float. (p.17)

The fabric of self is stitched together out of...these holes in

our emotional experience. When those aspects that have
been unconsciously refused are returned, when they are
made conscious...integrated, the self can be at one...and
the force of compassion is automatically unleashed. (p.19 )

[In relation to the 3 poisons] Our confusion about ourselves,

our fear and insecurity, our ignorance and delusion...keep us
grasping at pleasant experiences and rejecting unpleasant
ones, despite the fruitlessness of such efforts. (p.39 )

It is tempting to see Buddhism as advocating escape from the

Wheel of Life and psychotherapy as encouraging adjustment
to it [but] it is possible to learn another way of relating to the
emotions of each dimension. This is the sense in which the
enlightened person is said to be in the world but not of it.
(p.40 )

The entire Wheel of Life is but a representation of the

possibility of transforming suffering by changing the way we
relate to it. As the Buddha taught...it is only by becoming a
“lamp unto yourself” that enlightenment can be won. (p.40 )